Where They Stand

What fiscal measures will you implement to ensure that mineral exploration and development remains globally competitive and able to attract investment?

John Horgan and the BC New Democrat governments support mining. Under the BC NDP government in the 1990s we opened six new mines, including three of BC’s biggest metal mines still operating today: Huckleberry, Mount Polley and Kemess South.

The BC NDP implemented a host of policies which were supportive to mining, including appointing the province’s first Mining Advocate, providing grants and tax credits for mineral exploration, and creating the first comprehensive Environmental Assessment Process.

1. What fiscal measures will you implement to ensure that mineral exploration and development remains globally competitive and able to attract investment?

I believe the best path forward is to continue the BC Liberal Government strategy of keeping taxes low, government expenses constrained, and regulation – whether environmental, employment standards, or financial – consistent with a welcoming and responsible climate for mine exploration, development, and operation.

In this regard several fiscal measures are key: maintaining the mine exploration tax credit regime; maintaining low corporate and individual taxes, maintaining our $25 million investment in Geoscience BC, and maintaining experienced staff with relevant education background in key regulatory positions throughout BC and in Victoria.